Q&A With Alison Raffaele

Jen:  Alison!  Thanks so much for joining Raging Rouge in a Q&A session!  I read you once worked for the famed Bobbi Brown.  When you left Bobbi to launch your own makeup line, did she send you a single black rose?

Alison:  «laughing»  No!  However, my friend and I used to jokingly call anyone who fell out of favor "Brown Sheep."

Jen:  Seriously though… Alison Raffaele Cosmetics was inspired when you failed to find a high-quality, high-performance undereye concealer.  Are there any current holes in the market that you plan to fill?

Alison:  Well, I developed the new Alison Raffaele line to bridge the gap between makeup that is good for you and makeup that gives professional results.  And I’m going to be working along those lines for the forseeable future, because there’s always room for improvement, always something that can be done better. That’s what being an artist is all about – growing, learning, pushing the limits of what you can do.

Jen:  I was very excited to sample some of the new natural formulas your company launched this Spring.  I am especially smitten with the Age Response Primer, free of parabens, oil, talc, gluten and fragrance!  What can we expect next from your line?

Alison:  Currently I’m working on a new Mineral Powder and a new mascara, but as they say, "If doing a good job takes time, perfection takes just a little bit longer" – so hang tight!

Jen:  What are your favorite beauty products, both from your own line and other brands?

Alison:  Skincare: Cleanser- Dermologica foaming face wash, Exfoliant- Caudalie Savignon Scrub, Moisturizer- Caudalie Pulpe Vitamine, Eye Cream- the basic one from DHC.

My everyday face begins with my Face Forward acne response primer because it keeps my skin clear without drying it out, Reality Base #3 to even out my complexion, and of course my True Concealer #3, which is my Holy Grail.  I set under my eyes with a bit of Transparent Finish using a velour powder puff and then add some Graceful Inner Glow (from my original line, Skin Alison Raffaele) to the apples of my cheeks.  Also from my original line, Soft Shadow in Bittersweet (as liner) and Taupe (for shadow).

Then it’s onto other peoples stuff…  liner for under my eyes- Pencil Me in Metorite (a shimmery light brown), eyelash curler- Shu Uemura or Billy B, lip stain- 3 Custom Colors’ ski bunny, and to fill in the the clear mole in my left brow- black tattoo "ink" I got at Namies in LA (it has an ultra fine tip).

Hair Stuff: Conditioner- Moroccan Oil (its an oil that you leave in – it really helps straighten my hair), Mop’s Pear Spray in Detangler and Lemongrass Lift Root Spray (to keep my hair sleek – puffy hair is BAD!).

Jen:  You also happen to be a makeup artist extraordinaire…  Any tips for Raging Rouge readers to achieve the ever-elusive eternally youthful dewy skin that is so hot this Spring?

Alison:  Dewy skin is easy if you remember the following…

Step 1: Exfoliate and moisturize.  Foundation can’t meld with flaky skin properly, so getting rid of the dead layers is crucial.  Moisturizing afterwards will keep the skin supple.

Step 2: Apply a satin finish foundation, such as Reality Base, lightly all over to even out the complexion

Step 3: Conceal any blemishes and around the bottom of the nose

Step 4: Finish by working a bit of loose powder into a velour powder puff and pressing it lightly under the eyes and anywhere else you concealed to set those areas.

That’s it!  Add a bit of gel or cream blush, lip gloss, and mascara to curled lashes and you are good to go 😉

Jen:  Alison, thanks so much for the great information!  I look forward to sharing more about your products with Raging Rouge readers!  Readers, do check out Alison Raffaele’s newly redesigned website for information on her fantastic line of beauty products.